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Rob Verhaaren Obituary
Rob Verhaaren of Mesa, Arizona died as a result of a cycling accident while riding the LOTOJA race.
Rob is survived by his wife, Bridget (Banfield), and children, Ava (preceded in death), Ansel, Helena and Karl.
Parents: Richard and Laurel Verhaaren of Alpine, Utah
Siblings: Leslie (Nathan Erznoznik), Brenda (Steve Gray), Mark, Jeff (preceded in death), and Mike (Arielle)
Rob graduated from Orem High School where he was a member of the golf team. He served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Brazil Sao Paulo North Mission. Several years after his mission service return he married his sweetheart Bridget in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. Rob graduated from Brigham Young University School of Accountancy magna cum laude and was honored as the outstanding student of his graduating class. In 1997 he received a JD from New York University School of Law and immediately began his law career with prestigious New York law firm, Simpson Thatcher. He later moved to Boulder Colorado to join a nationally recognized law firm specializing in high tech company formations and entrepreneurial support financing. These experiences provided a solid foundation for his current successful Mesa AZ investment business where he and his family are residents.
Rob's loves are fishing, golfing, cycling, skiing and most of all spending time with his family. He was a very involved father and was helping his children to find and develop their talents. He traveled to Europe with Bridget and their children for the past four consecutive summers experiencing the world with them.
It was important to Rob that things were done well. He always gave everything he did his very best effort. His life is a wonderful example of having done it right. We love you Rob and aspire to be like you.
Visitations: Friday, September 14th 6-8 p.m. Saturday, September 15th 9 a.m. Funeral: Saturday, September 15th 10 a.m.
Both visitations and funeral to be held: L.D.S. Hermosa Vista Stake Center 2701 East Lehi Road Mesa.AZ 85213
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Rob Verhaaren
Sponsored by Rob's many friends.
John Perry
June 30, 2013
Rob and I were very close in high school. We spent innumerable hours together and I was devestated to hear of his accident.
Rob and I did so many things together I couldn't begin to list them all. My favorite time was when just he and I went to my grandfathers cabin overlooking FishLake Reservoir in southern Utah. We spent a week eating breakfast while overlooking the beautiful lake and every day out fishing.
If there has ever been someone I have known and respected immensely for his intelligence, work ethic and love for the outdoors it is Rob. He will always be loved, honored and respected. He is truly the most genuine men of the greatest character I ever have or expect to meet.
Chad Poplawski
June 5, 2013
Rob and I were close friends in college, but despite our solid friendship, I didn't do a good job keeping in touch in the last almost 20 years since graduation (even though Bridget sent Christmas cards every year). I had a dream about Rob last night - a dream so vivid and compelling that I woke up this morning determined to get back in touch with Rob and build on the friendship I once had with him.
Unfortunately, as I "Googled" Rob to try to find his contact information, all I found was his obituary. I was 8 months too late.
I'm deeply saddened by Rob's passing; however, I'm grateful that I had the opportunity to know Rob and call him a friend. I have some great memories to keep with me. I'll never forget you Rob.
Your Friend Chad.
Kevin Keller
October 14, 2012
Our sympathies go out to Bridget and Rob's children. i first met Rob when i was a senior at BYU exploring law schools. When I decided to visit NYU and other schools in the area, Rob and Bridget offered me their couch and took me on a tour of the city. Their kindness to me convinced me that NYC was the place for my wife and i to spend a very formative time in our lives. Their ongoing friendship while we were there made NY feel like home. We will remember Rob, and he will be missed.
James O'Kane
September 21, 2012
I am so sorry to hear that Rob is gone. I knew him in business and then through pure coincidence Was reacquainted through the Hidalgo family. My deepest sympathies and condolences go out to the family and the children. James O'Kane Phoenix Arizona
Becky Vogler
September 20, 2012
We are so very sorry for your loss. We were also at Lotoja that weekend and were deeply saddened to hear of the loss of Rob. He sounds like he was a wonderful person who blessed the lives of many. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Jenny Hatch
September 17, 2012
I just read about Robs death on Shawni Pothiers blog. My most sincere condolances Bridget and family. It was a pleasure to get to know your family while you lived in Boulder. May heavens blessings pour down upon your heads.
Jenny Hatch
Mandy Perschon-Newberg
September 16, 2012
Robert is my cousin. He is a wonderful example to us all. We will miss u terribly. Your family is in our prayers.
David Barlow
September 16, 2012
I knew Rob on our missions in Brazil as a new missionary. He was known as Elder Robert because the Brazilians couldn't pronounce his last name. We lived in the same house together for a few months in Sao Jose does Campos and he was the most encouraging and positive missionary to me. Rob`s example and influence on me set the tone on how I lived the rest of my mission.
September 16, 2012
I have known the Banfield family for years. What an outstanding family. Bridget, our prayers and thoughts are with you. You are loved........
Mori
Eric Welsh
September 15, 2012
Rob was one of my close high school friends and inspired me to attend the University of Utah with him, where we were roommates and I watched him focus like a laser on his studies and everything else he did.
My heart is heavy with his loss and I thank him for his spirit and for his inspiration!
Rick & Shawna Schnurr
September 15, 2012
Richard & Laurel,
We were so shocked and saddened to hear of the loss of Rob. Our prayers are with you.
Debbie White
September 14, 2012
I am so saddened by such a great loss. You can tell he is a remarkable person. My prayers thoughts and love goto his family and I hope with God's prayer gives you lots of strengths and may God bless his whole family. This is a terrible loss to our community.
Tanya Metcalf
September 14, 2012
I did not know Rob but we were flagged down right after the accident occurred. We were following our husbands who were riding Lotoja. I ran down to the water with a blanket to hopefully be of some help. I was very impressed by Rob's friends that were down at the water with Rob. They gave him a beautiful blessing which I'm sure gave them peace. Rob seems like an amazing man from all that I have read. May peace be with the family and now know you have a guardian angel to watch over you.
Pat and LeAnn Hord
September 14, 2012
Life is already too short to lose a loved one so dear. We love the Banfield family and thank you for your love, example, and friendship. May our prayers help you find comfort and peace during this difficult time.
Amy Poulson
September 14, 2012
I did not have the opportunity to know or meet Rob, but we have friends in common. I am an avid cyclist, have completed LOTOJA and was there again Saturday cheering people on. I was deeply saddened to hear about Rob's accident and want you all to know that he is in a large cycling family's thoughts and prayers. By all accounts he was a great cyclist, but an even better person. We will all continue to think of him and ride for him. May your family enjoy peace and comfort at this time and in coping with this tragic loss. I am thinking of you; so many are thinking of you.
Amy Pouson and many other cyclists.
Rob, you are a wonderful husband, father and example to your fellow man
September 14, 2012
Fam'lies can be together forever
Through Heav'nly Father's plan.
I always want to be with my own family,
And the Lord has shown me how I can.
.....you will be together again!
Steve Nissle
September 14, 2012
May you have continual peace in the restored gospel of our Savior. How blessed to have been together and created your amazing family! You and your children are in my prayers and my thoughts daily.
Bart and Dena Dewey
September 14, 2012
Our greatest sympathy to Bridget, Ansel, Helena, and Karl. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Chad Lewis
September 13, 2012
When I was a sophomore at Orem High School, Rob was a senior on the golf team. He treated me like a buddy from the first day of school on. It meant a lot to be treated so well by one of the studs of the school. I always loved Rob because of that.
I was very sad when my brother Mike told me about Rob's accident on LOTOJA.
I just want his kids to know that he made my life way better when I was a nobody. I will always be grateful for his friendship. Your dad is awesome. May the Lord bless you with His comfort and peace.
Chad Lewis, Orem High School friend
Richard and Elaine Kasteler
September 13, 2012
Please accept our deepest condolences. We did not know Robert or his family. My husband I were relaying Lotoja and heard about the accident while biking and our hearts went out to a fellow cyclist. We have been very touched reading about Robert and his accomplishments. He had to be an exceptional person. We wish the family peace and love during this time.
Garron Cadiente
September 13, 2012
Rob was a great man. I had the privilege of knowing him and rode with him the week just before he passed. I want to wish his family well and to let them know that they are in my prayers.
Melanie Banfield
September 13, 2012
I've just realized that I only saw Rob a few times, but because of all the wonderful things I've heard about him over the years, I feel like I've known him forever. I can only imagine what wonderful memories you have of your lives together, and please know that I grieve with you. Love, Aunt Melanie
Keith Hendricks
September 13, 2012
Rob was a true professional and a great family man. The world is less without him. May the Spirit comfort those he left.
Lane Hancock
September 13, 2012
Great missionary and a great person! We pray that comfort for Rob's family will come swiftly and with great power.
With Sincerest Sympathies,
Lane, Jenna, Jayda, Brooke, Carson, and Zan Hancock
September 12, 2012
I know Bob Banfield. My heartfelt sympathy to Bob and to the Verhaaren family.
Sidney
September 12, 2012
What greater gift dost thou bestow,
What greater goodness can we know
Than Christlike friends, whose gentle ways
Strengthen our faith, enrich our days.
When such a friend from us departs,
We hold forever in our hearts
A sweet and hallowed memory,
Bringing us nearer, Lord, to thee.
For worthy friends whose lives proclaim
Devotion to the Savior's name,
Who bless our days with peace and love,
Our lives have been better having known Rob. What better legacy could one have than leaving the world better than you found it. Rob seemed to me to be a serious soul who didn't waste much time while here on earth. Perhaps he didn't need any more time here but oh how he will be missed which is the great dichotomy of life. If we are good the pain is greater and so shall the reunion be sweeter.
Al Haertel
September 12, 2012
Richard, Laurel,
So sorry to hear of the tragic loss of your son. God bless you and your family and may your lifes be filled with the great memories of his life.
Al & Toni Haertel..Waddell, Az
Kirk Moushegian
September 12, 2012
Bridget, Ansel, Helena, Karl, Richard, Laurel, and family I am very deeply saddened by the loss of Robert and still cannot believe he is no longer with us.
I will always remember his great smile and laugh. He was never the loud type. However, his quiet demeanor and quality character had such a positive and lasting influence on all of us.
I consider myself fortunate enough to be part of his and your lives. I will never forget the positive and inspirational impact Robert has had on me … and will continue to do so for quite some time.
Rob, you will be greatly missed………and never forgotten!
Linda J. Barnes
September 12, 2012
Our hearts are so heavy for Bridget, Ansel, Helena, and Karl, Rob's parents and siblings and all the Verhaaren/Banfield family members. Rob was a sweet and gentle soul who loved his whole family. Gone too soon...
With Sincerest Sympathy, Love and Prayers,
Cousins Linda, Tony, Chris and Scott Barnes
Tyler Karr
September 12, 2012
So sad to hear about Rob...
...he was one of the few guys growing up that treated me like a friend , and he always made me feel like I was welcome and wanted, even when others in the ward didn't.
Rob's example was a big part of what kept me active in the church as a young man. Rob's smile and cheerfulness was contagious.
The only regret I have about Rob is that I lost contact with such a great person, but I have thought of him often throughout the years since.
Thank you for raising such a fine Person, whom made such a huge difference in my life as a young man!
I always have thought of Rob as one of the great ones... And I always will remember His friendship
Gerry Bastian
September 12, 2012
I have wonderful memories of the times I have spent with Rob, Bridget and their children. They have always made me feel loved and welcome in their home. There was a warmth in that home that went beyond the lovely decor. "Love Is Spoken Here" could describe their home and family. RIP:, another "Road Biker in Heaven". My husband is one, too.
Suzanne Oakeson
September 12, 2012
Laurel and family,
So sorry to learn of the loss of your son. My heart goes out to all of you as you experience this tragic loss.
Hal Johnston
September 12, 2012
My condolences to the entire Verhaaren family. I taught Robert when he was in the 8th Grade at the Waterford School in Provo. Always a good student and a thoughtful friend to the other students. My prayers are for your well-being at this time and in the weeks ahead.
Sonja and Gary Woodruff
September 12, 2012
We are so sorry for your loss.
September 12, 2012
Richard, I want to express my heartfelt sympathy at this time. My prayers are with you, classmate.
Shannon
Barbara Haertel Cole
September 12, 2012
Dear Richard and Laurel,
I am so sorry to learn about your son.
My deepest sympathy for your family and his.
H. Danielson
September 11, 2012
Wanted to express my sincerest condolences to your family at this difficult time. My granddaughter, Aiga is a classmate of Karl. Our entire family send our prayers your way and know that your loved one has just gone ahead and that your family will be together again some day. Keep strong, remain faithful, and make him proud as you continue your journey of life.
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